At CES 2013, Samsung revealed a unique lens for its NX camera series - the 45mm f/1.8 2D/3D lens. The lens incorporates a built-in LCD splitter/shutter system for use in shooting 3D images which can also be deactivated for regular 2D shooting. Need a fast, lightweight medium-telephoto prime lens for some low-light shooting or portraiture? (The lens has a field of view around like a 70mm due to the APS-C crop factor.) Or want to dabble in 3D photography and video? This lens has you covered on both fronts.

Performance-wise, this compact prime is impressive. It's quite the sharp little lens, even at f/1.8, and tack sharp when stopped down a bit. Other optical quality of the Samsung 45mm f/1.8 2D/3D lens are excellent as well. Build quality is nice, even for a mostly polycarbonate lens -- there is a metal lens mount though. The lens is lightweight yet solid-feeling.

The Samsung 45mm f/1.8 2D/3D lens is currently available for around $385-$469, depending on color, and ships with a circular, screw-on lens hood. You can purchase this lens, or any other item, from one of our trusted affiliates: Amazon, Adorama (black, white), and B&H (black, white). By purchasing this lens, or any other product from one of our trusted affiliates helps support this site and keeps these reviews coming!

In the meantime, out some sample photos shot by our senior lens technician Rob Murray using the Samsung NX30. You can view more sample photos, plus download the full-resolution files, over at our Flickr page. Flickr doesn't allow uploading of the Samsung 3D image files, so for those with a 3D display who'd like to view some 3D images taken with this lens, you can download the full-res files here: (.MPO format) Sample 1, Sample 2, Sample 3, Sample 4, Sample 5.